CHM for newbies: five tools for earning free months of membership

Members often tell our staff that CHM is an answer to prayer and that they recommend the ministry to other Christians. CHM’s Bring-a-Friend (BAF) program is one of the most effective ways to keep monthly costs low.

The new member is part of a Christian ministry that will share their major medical care expenses. The advantage to the referring member is that they receive a free month of membership. Those bringing a friend each month can be part of CHM for free! (Editor’s note: A free month is applied after the new member pays their third monthly gift amount. CHM limits BAF credits to 12 per calendar year; in other words, credits can’t roll over into future years.)

In 2018, 54 families earned 12 BAF credits—enough to pay for an entire year of ministry membership. These families saved up to $5,400 in Gold membership costs.

Below are five tools to help you explain a ministry that’s different—not difficult, just different—with ease:

1. Give an information pack.

When families or individuals call CHM staff for more information about the ministry, we encourage them to read the free information pack because it describes CHM’s programs, costs and medical bill sharing process. Additionally, readers benefit from the FAQ and testimonial pages. You can request information packs online by visiting chministries.org/contact-us/get-more-info.

2. Share our blog and social media posts.

The CHM blog can be found at chministries.org/blog. It’s also quick and easy to “share” CHM info on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (search for “iheartCHM” and make sure you see our “Bubble People” logo), YouTube (youtube.com/chmnews) and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/iheartchm). The ministry publishes many posts, articles and videos you can share with friends.

3. Use the CHM Member Portal.

Have you used or toured the Member Portal (portal.chministries.org)? There you can send a personalized email about CHM to friends and family members. When readers click the included link to complete the ministry’s online application, your member number automatically appears in the referral field. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the same link into an email you create. Your member number will still appear in the referral field of the CHM online application.

If you’re new to the Portal, you can register for an account using your member number and portal access code, both of which can be found on your monthly Member Gift Form statement.

4. Point to the website and videos.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth multiple thousands. CHM’s website and YouTube channel give a quick but detailed overview of the ministry and include “how-to’s” and member testimonies.

5. Offer your personal experience.

Nothing is more powerful than telling your own story. Even if you haven’t submitted medical bills to CHM, tell others why you joined CHM. Perhaps your reason is similar to that of Rob Hartman, Chief Financial Officer of Columbia International University (Columbia, S.C.): “When I first researched CHM, I was thinking about saving money and receiving better healthcare, but as the years have gone by my heart for what CHM does for believers now drives my passion. I do care about the money, but it’s ‘the ministry of this ministry’ that has captured my heart. And it works; it has helped hundreds of thousands of people pay their medical costs.”

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I'm very impressed by how efficiently and cost-effectively CHM has served our team at Compass - Finances God’s way. I love the core value that is the foundation upon which CHM is built – God’s people taking care of one another!